Come September, St. Clair countians may actually know about the fate of the anchor of their health care system — St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital.

A years-long push for a new hospital has taken many a turn over those years, but it appears officials have settled on a course they hope will lead to a new facility.

In recent weeks, the Pell City Council decided to commit $3 million over time to the proposed project, which will help the hospital’s parent company make ends meet in the St. Clair County hospital’s first 20 years of operation.

The St. Clair County Commission is assessing how much of a shortfall may occur and is considering Friday possible plans to close the gap.

In September, officials will present final documents to the parent company in hopes of emerging with a final deal to go ahead with building a new hospital in Pell City.

Financial moves by Pell City and St. Clair County are vital, and support is urged. They could be a catalyst for bringing this project to fruition.